Welcome to the Authentic Mamas Project
It takes a village to nurture a mother. I'd be honored to be a part of yours.
Services
1:1 Evidence-Based Psychotherapy that focuses on:
Pregnancy and Post-Birth
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1 in 5 women in the United States struggles with perinatal mood disorders. The perinatal period can include pregnancy, immediately post-birth or in the years following.
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This may include symptoms of Depression, Anxiety, Obsessive-
Compulsive Disorder (OCD) or Psychosis. Effective treatments exist and are available.
This is NOT a character flaw, weakness or a result of one’s inability to be an effective mother. This is the result of biological changes, hormonal fluctuations, and the major life changes that accompany having a baby.
Women’s Issues and Maternal Adjustment
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Even after children begin to grow and thrive, it can still be a struggle to manage the emotions around child-rearing.
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Life continues to move forward and the needs of children/adolescents begin to change – which can cause a significant shift in the maternal-child relationship.
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Additionally, the impact of juggling multiple-priorities (work, family life, the romantic relationship) can be overwhelming and stress-inducing.
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Mothers can also struggle to find their own identity (Who am I outside of being a mom? Who was I before becoming a mom?) and this can be a source of emotional distress that can affect a women’s life and other relationships.
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1:1 Maternal Wellness Coaching
Becoming a mother is a complex and ongoing psychological process for each woman.
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For some, it manifests as a diagnosable perinatal mood disorder that needs treatment from a trained medical or psychological professional.
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For others, it is characterized by trying to navigate a feeling of “losing oneself,” trying to achieve perfection in mothering, and/or dealing with feelings of guilt, shame, or ambivalence associated with such a tremendous life transition. There is a term for this, it is called matrescence.
Matrescence has been defined as the psychological process of becoming a mother and includes a wide range of experiences from stress to wellness and eventual resilience (Aurelia Athan, PhD, Alexandra Saks, MD, and Dana Raphael). Many women do not realize that such a process exists and struggle to understand what’s occurring (“I have a beautiful new baby, what is wrong with me? Why am I feeling this way?”). The AMP Coaching approach utilizes the concept of matrescence as a framework to help women navigate motherhood and find their strength and fulfillment in their new role.
This includes:
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A focus on self-care and self-compassion
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Identifying and utilizing existing strengths and skills
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Navigating new relationship dynamics (at work, home, in other
relationships)
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Providing tangible support for new stressors (childcare, time
management, physical wellness, role changes, etc.).
Consultation To Organizations
A goal of the Authentic Mamas Project (AMP) is to bring increased awareness to the vast continuum of experiences that accompany women on the journey to motherhood. This includes education about perinatal mood disorders and the experience of matrescence. AMP is available to conduct workshops, presentations, and/or brief consultative sessions to medical providers, hospitals, non-profits, and businesses on a wide-range of topics related to maternal emotional health and well-being.
Patrece Hairston Peetz, PsyD
Patrece Hairston Peetz, PsyD Clinical Psychologist & Maternal Wellness Consultant –- is passionate about providing support, clinical tools, and increasing access to emotional wellness services to mothers. Increasing awareness about perinatal mood disorders and the struggles associated with the transition to motherhood is the driving force behind The Authentic Mamas Project. Dr. Hairston Peetz works with women, their partners, support systems, and healthcare providers to ensure that emotional wellness is being prioritized and is an area of focus throughout the perinatal period.
Dr. Hairston Peetz is a licensed clinical psychologist with over 10 years of combined clinical and academic experience, public policy experience, and qualitative and quantitative research training. She obtained her Doctorate in Clinical Psychology from Wright State University in Dayton, Ohio and completed her predoctoral internship at Children’s Hospital Colorado in Aurora, Colorado – working with families and young children. She completed her postdoctoral training at the University of Colorado – Anschutz Medical Campus and has obtained certificate training from Postpartum Support International (PSI) in the treatment of Perinatal Mood Disorders. Dr. Hairston Peetz has also held leadership positions in the non-profit and public policy sectors.
Rates, Insurance, and Availability
Rates for Psychotherapy
AMP charges $160 for an in-office 50-minute psychotherapy session. $170 for a home visit. Video sessions are also available and a sliding fee scale is available on a very limited basis.
Coaching and Consultation
AMP charges $160 for an in-office 50-minute coaching session. $170 for an offsite session – these may be conducted in the workplace or other available space that is most convenient. Individualized packages based on your needs are available – please contact patrece@authenticmamasproject.com for more information. Workshops and consultation fees vary based on the size and scope of the presentation or project.
Insurance
AMP does not accept currently insurance for psychotherapy services.
Insurance companies often demand highly detailed information about
you and your medical condition to obtain reimbursement. This allows me to protect your privacy and for us to work together to determine the most beneficial course of treatment. If you wish to file an “out-of-network” provider claim, please check with your insurance carrier and let me know. We will provide the appropriate paperwork and forms.
Payment
Cash, check, and major credit cards accepted.
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